Poker Glossary

$EV (or EV) is short for Expected Value

EV (Expected Value) is what we expect to win or lose based on an outcome’s mathematical expectation. It’s crucial for decision-making. For instance, going all-in preflop for $10 ten times with AA versus KK, we expect to win 8/10 hands, making EV +$80.

3-Bet

3-bet is the third bet during a betting round. Its purpose varies pre- and post-flop. For new players, understanding its mechanics can be tricky. In both Hold’em and Omaha, the first bet pre-flop is the Big Blind. The initial raise is the 2-bet, with a re-raise as the 3-bet. For instance, if the Button raises and then the Small Blind re-raises, that’s a 3-bet. A following raise would be a 4-bet. The concept is familiar to most players, especially pre-flop. Originally linked with Fixed Limit format, 3-betting is vital in today’s NLH, especially online. Deciding whether to 3-bet is strategic, as is understanding an opponent’s 3-bet range.

Post-flop 3-betting is distinct. Without a Big Blind, the first player’s action is the first bet, a raise is the second, and only a re-raise is the 3-bet. Post-flop 3-bets usually signal strength. Generally, a later street 3-bet indicates a stronger hand.

4-Bet

A 4-bet occurs when a 3-bet is re-raised. Pre-flop, this follows an initial raise, then a re-raise. Remember, the Big Blind is the first bet pre-flop, so the initial raise is the second bet, a re-raise is a 3-bet, and another raise is a 4-bet. 4-betting can be challenging as it might involve committing one’s entire stack. When deciding to 4-bet, consider the opponent’s 3-betting range. If they 3-bet tightly, our 4-betting should be cautious.

A-Game

When playing poker, it’s crucial to bring our A-Game. Long-term success demands skill, patience, concentration, fitness, and other essentials. Thus, maintaining a consistent A-Game both off and on tables is vital. If unable to do so, consider taking a break, as online poker is always available.

Ace to Five Triple Draw

This is a lowball drawpoker variant similar to Deuce to Seven Triple Draw, but with distinct hand rankings.

Aces Up

Refers to a hand with a pair of aces plus another pair, similar to kings up with a pair of kings plus another pair, queens up, and so forth.

Add-on

An Add-on allows players to buy a set number of chips after the Rebuy period in multi-table poker tournaments. Every player can opt for this, irrespective of their chip count. Tournaments vary in add-on costs. For example, a tournament might have a $10 buy-in for a 2,000-chip stack and offer a 2,000-chip add-on for another $10. Some provide massive add-ons, like Monster Rebuys, encouraging players to wait until the Rebuy period ends to benefit from it. Choosing to buy an add-on needs strategic thinking. If the chips from an add-on are cheaper than from rebuys, it’s wise to take the add-on, even with a large stack. Why rebuy 2,000 chips when a later add-on offers twice that for the same price? Calculating price per chip can aid in forming a game plan. Recognizing the add-on’s value when entering a tournament is essential, especially when it offers outstanding value, suggesting staying until the add-on phase is a smart move. A strategy might also be registering late, aiming to play minimally until the add-on option.

Advertise

Advertising involves making moves that might not benefit you immediately but can mislead opponents about your play style. By showing cards after bluffing or purposely getting caught bluffing, you can make opponents think you bluff frequently, prompting them to make mistakes later on.

Affiliate

In poker, an Affiliate partners with online poker providers to promote their brands and acquire new players, earning commission in return. Affiliates can range from individual side businesses to established companies like YourPokerDream (YPD). YPD, known for strong relationships with top poker rooms, ensures great deals for players and exclusive promotions. They reinvest up to 80% of their commission to benefit their player community. Players signing up to poker rooms via YPD get an enhanced online poker experience.

Aggressive

An aggressive player frequently wagers, raises, takes initiative, and often dictates game flow.

Aggressor

An aggressor recently initiated betting or raising, taking charge of the play.

All-In

Going All-in means committing all remaining chips to the pot. In a tournament, if you’re covered by an opponent with more chips, you risk elimination. However, game format affects the implications. In No Limit Hold’em Freezeout, if you lose after going all-in, you’re out. But in a rebuy tournament, you can re-enter with a new stack. In Cash Games, after an all-in loss, you can buy back in.

American Airlines

American Airlines or AA is the best starting hand in Texas Hold’em poker. However, it’s not unbeatable!

Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova a tennis player and also a poker hand

Anna Kournikova

Anna Kournikova, besides being a renowned tennis player from Russia, is also a term in Texas Hold’em poker. It refers to the starting hand AK. While Anna ranked within the Top 20 worldwide, she never clinched a single tournament title. Her fame grew mainly due to her appearance, not just her tennis prowess. Similarly, the AK hand, while one of the best starting hands, can deceive players with its allure, leading them to often overplay it.

Ante

An Ante is a required bet before cards are dealt, complementing Blinds to seed the pot and encourage action. They’re often seen in tournaments after certain Blind levels. Given their popularity in online poker, it’s common to see them early in tournaments or even as ‘big’ antes.

Any Two

Any Two implies a player goes all-in with any hand, whether AK or 72. It’s common under pressure during sit&go or large multi-table tournaments. Success hinges on entering the hand first with sufficient fold equity. Without fold equity, this move isn’t logical.

Average Stack

Average Stack results from dividing all chips in a table or tournament by the number of players holding them. It helps gauge one’s position in a tournament. Players often adjust their strategy based on the average stack.

Backdoor Draw

In Hold’em, backdoor draw is a draw on the Flop that requires outs on both the Turn and the River to succeed. Often called ‘runner-runner’ draw, it’s less straightforward than regular draws like flush draws. However, its disguise can lead to bigger payouts, enhancing implied odds.

Bad Beat

In poker, Bad Beat happens when a strong favorite loses the hand. For instance, a hand like 7777 losing to a straight flush on the River. Such unexpected outcomes, though rare, are part of the game. A notable instance was at the 2008 World Series of Poker Main Event where Motoyuki Mabuchi’s quad Aces lost to Justin Phillips’ royal flush, eliminating Mabuchi.

Bet

In poker, Bet is often seen as an action like opening betting in an uncontested pot. While any move can be a bet, even checking (essentially zero), the Big Blind is technically the first action or bet. Betting follows a specific sequence, moving clockwise around the table. The Dealer Button shifts left every hand, ensuring equal betting opportunities for all players over time.

Bet in the dark

Betting in the dark is when a player decides to bet before cards are dealt, often before the flop. Regardless of the flop, this player sticks to their bet.

Big Blind

The Big Blind is a mandatory bet made by the player two seats left of the Dealer, typically double the Small Blind’s amount. The Small Blind sits immediately right of the Big Blind. Blinds ensure there are chips in the pot, promoting action. As the Dealer Button rotates clockwise, everyone eventually pays the Blinds. In tournaments, Blinds increase, but stay fixed in Cash games, like $0.25/$0.50 in a $50 Max game.

Big Slick

Big Slick refers to the Ace King (AK) starting hand in Texas Hold’em Poker, also known as Anna Kournikova.

Blank

Blank is a board card that likely doesn’t help any player complete a draw. If the turn brings one, it doesn’t impact the game situation.

Blind Steal

Blind steal is when a player bluffs pre-flop, aiming to take the Small and Big Blinds. This strategy is often used from late position, becoming more effective as more players fold. It’s crucial in tournaments as Blinds increase, leading to bigger uncontested pots. When Antes are added, there are even more chips to aim for with a steal.

Blinds

Blinds are obligatory bets in poker, placed before cards are dealt to encourage action. The two players left of the Dealer put down the Small Blind (e.g. 10 chips) and Big Blind (e.g. 20 chips). Betting starts with the player left of the Big Blind, choosing to Fold, Call (match the Big Blind), or Raise. The Dealer button rotates, ensuring everyone pays Blinds over multiple hands. In Cash games, blinds are fixed, like $1/$2 in a $200 Max game. In tournaments, blinds increase at set intervals or Blind Levels, which vary in duration.

Blow Up

Blow up refers to an irrational move where a player loses significant money, often due to being on tilt. Mike Matusow is notably known for such moves.

Bottom Pair

Bottom pair occurs when a player’s hole card pairs with the lowest card on the board. In Hold’em, it’s a weak hand, sometimes ahead but hard to confidently play. It’s generally risky to bet heavily with it, and usually safer to aim for a showdown. This hand is especially weak in Omaha. It’s different from an underpair, which is a pocket pair ranking lower than the board cards.

Break Even

Break Even indicates a player neither profits nor loses money, either in one session or over the long term. Many such players rely on rakeback for earnings. They’re neither novices nor experts. Some players, during bad runs, push hard to achieve break even, often leading to bigger losses due to tilt.

Buy-In

Buy-in is the amount needed to participate in a game. In tournaments, a $10+1 buy-in means $10 contributes to the prize pool while $1 is the operator’s fee. Rebuy tournaments allow multiple buy-ins within a set time. For Cash games, buy-in is the amount to enter, often with minimum and maximum limits, like $15 minimum and $50 maximum for a $50 Max Cash game.

Cash Game

A Cash Game is a format of poker where players use real money chips, representing actual value. Unlike tournaments, there are no starting or ending times; players can join or leave a table whenever they choose. The stakes, or blinds, remain constant, and players can rebuy or add to their stack if they lose chips. Each hand played is for real money, making every decision crucial. Cash Games can accommodate varying skill levels, from low stakes for beginners to high stakes for seasoned pros.

Cash Out

Cash Out is a feature offered by many betting platforms that allows bettors to settle their bets and secure a return before the event has concluded. By using this feature, bettors can lock in a profit or minimize a potential loss, depending on the current status of their bet and the likely outcome of the event. The amount offered for cash out can vary based on the live odds of the bet at that time.

Face Cards

Face cards depict people and include Queens, Jacks, and Kings. They’re also called paint cards.

Feeler Bet

A Feeler Bet, or probe bet, is used to gather information about opponents’ hands by making them respond. This bet creates a reaction, providing clues about their hand strength. It prevents opponents from seeing free cards and might even win the pot outright. It’s crucial to know where we stand in a hand early on, even if the information isn’t favorable. A common situation for a feeler bet might be having middle pair on the Flop against two players, with a 1/3 pot bet as a typical amount. The bet’s goals include understanding opponents’ intentions, identifying hand strength, taking an aggressive stance, and preventing others from placing their own feeler bets.

Final Table

The final table in a tournament is where the winner is determined. Every poker player dreams of reaching this table in a major tournament.

First In

A player acts first in when they’re the initial one to enter a betting round by calling or betting. An open raise signifies they raise after every other player has folded in the starting wagering round.

First in Vigorish

Coined by Dan Harrington, “First in Vigorish” refers to the advantage a player gets by being the first to open a hand, go all in, or raise. Players acting after them often need stronger hands to call the raise, leading many to fold hands they might have otherwise played. This strategy becomes crucial near a tournament’s end or when a player has a stack small compared to the blinds. Acting first and going all in can pressure those with larger stacks, leveraging the fact subsequent players might hesitate to call, fearing players after them might possess stronger hands.

First to Act

A player who makes the initial move in a betting session is “first to act”. Conversely, the player taking his turn last is “last to act”.

Five Card Draw

Played by two to eight players, each receives five face-down cards. Players can exchange unfavorable cards for new ones during draw rounds. Betting occurs both before and after these draws.

Fixed Limit Texas Hold’em

Previously the most popular Texas Hold’em variant before No Limit took over, Fixed Limit and No Limit have distinct differences. While both have similarities, mastering one requires different skills than the other. Some describe Fixed Limit as science and No Limit as art. In Fixed Limit, players bet a fixed amount each time and have a limited number of re-raises per street. This constrains decision-making, often leading to clear right or wrong moves. Fixed Limit is considered beginner-friendly since mistakes cost less compared to No Limit, where one error can result in losing your entire stack.

Flat Call

Flat calling, also termed as ‘flatting’ or ‘smooth calling’, isn’t as straightforward as some new players might think. It refers to when a player chooses to call, even when they could justifiably raise. This move contrasts with typical expectations, often implying a strategy. For instance, a player might flat call after flopping a strong hand to slowplay, allowing an aggressive opponent to keep betting, only to face a large raise later. The tactic can be confusing, as it keeps the opponent guessing: a call could indicate either weakness or strength. While some players strategically use flat calling to mislead or set a trap, others, especially tight players, might do so to minimize risks, even when holding a strong hand. They prefer consistent calls against perceived weaker hands without escalating the pot too quickly.

Float

Floating, also termed as “Float play”, is an advanced bluffing tactic where a player calls a bet on the Flop, despite a weak hand, intending to later become aggressive and steal the pot. It’s designed to capitalize on players who make a pre-flop raise and continue with a bet on the Flop even if they haven’t connected well with it. The strategy hinges on the belief that the original aggressor lacks a solid hand. After calling on the Flop, if the opponent checks the Turn, the floater bets to force a fold. The floater’s hand strength doesn’t matter; it’s the opponent’s potential weakness that’s exploited. Sometimes, even if the opponent makes a small bet on the Turn, indicating a possible lack of confidence, the floater can raise big, seizing the opportunity. Successful floating requires keen observation, understanding opponent tendencies, and the courage to act decisively. While it carries risks, floating can be a profitable move, enabling players to win pots even with weaker hands.

Flop

The ‘Flop’ refers to the first three community cards dealt face up in games like Texas Hold’em. It triggers the second betting round, opening up a wide range of potential hand combinations. Players use the Flop in combination with their hole cards and the later Turn and River cards to form the best 5-card hand. If someone holds AA and the Flop shows A93, they’ve “flopped” a set of aces. On the contrary, holding 75 and seeing a Flop of AKK means the player has “missed the flop.” In No Limit Texas Hold’em, the Flop is crucial. It not only helps form a 5-card hand but offers insights to strategize for the Turn and River. Post-flop decisions are more intricate than pre-flop ones, which mostly focus on hole card values.

Flush Draw

A Flush Draw is a hand with four cards of the same suit, just one card short of forming a flush. For instance, if a player has two hearts and two more appear on the Flop, they’d need one more heart by the River to complete the flush.

Fold Equity

A player wins a hand by either having the best hand at showdown or making others fold. As more players fold, his chance to win rises. While “pot equity” refers to a player’s share of the pot, “fold equity” pertains to his share resulting from others folding.

Forced Bet

A forced bet is required in the beginning of poker games, such as blind, bring-in, or ante. Antes involve two players paying before card dealing, while the bring-in is paid after cards are dealt in stud games. The player betting is decided by the value of their face-up door cards.

Fox Hunt

Fox Hunt involves checking cards you’d have received in a round that ended early, allowing you to see if a player who folded would have gotten their desired card had they continued playing.

Free Card

A free card doesn’t cost players anything to see. If everyone checks after the Flop, the Turn becomes a free card. This can greatly impact poker strategy. If no one bets, a player’s seemingly weak hand can transform significantly with a favorable Turn, like turning a 7h8h into a potential flush or straight draw with a 6h Turn after a 9d Kc 3h Flop.

Free Play

Free play is what you get when you’re in big blind position, no player raises, allowing you see flop without investing money.

Freezeout

Freezeout refers to a tournament type where punter is eliminated once they’ve used all their chips, or when entire prize pool goes to player who finishes first.

Full House

Full House represents a poker hand consisting of a pair plus three similar cards. Typically, it’s denoted as full house (three similar cards) over (pair). It’s also known by other names like boat, full barn, or full boat. When two players hold full houses, victory goes to the one with higher value in their set of three.

Full Ring

A Full Ring poker session involves seven to ten players, often referred to as 10 max. Online poker typically features tables with a 9 max limit. Shorthanded tables, on the other hand, host six or fewer players, earning them the name 6 max. Gameplay at Full Ring tables tends to be calmer than shorthanded ones, making latter more appealing for action-oriented players who prefer wagering on more hands.

Fundamental Theorem of Poker

This theorem posits that when a player’s actions differ from those they would have taken knowing their opponents’ cards, it leads to their opponents’ gain. Conversely, when a player’s moves align with what they would have done had they known their opponents’ cards, it results in their own profit. A key issue with this theory is that it suggests players can profit from their opponent’s errors. Being aware of opponents’ cards provides at least one optimal move, generating maximum profits or minimizing losses.

Gambling

Gambling carries multiple meanings, often referring to games of chance such as poker. Rather than employing strategy, a gambler typically relies on luck, not approaching game with any strategic intent.

Game Theoretical Optimum

In terms of Nash equilibrium, a play is deemed optimal strategy. In poker gaming, using this strategy means your opponent’s actions won’t yield positive expected value, regardless of their approach. However, it doesn’t imply that optimal strategy’s expected value matches the maximum possible expected value. When such a situation arises, you must exploit specific leaks in your opponent’s game, even if it requires deviating from the optimal strategy.

Gap Concept

David Sklansky formulated Gap Concept, indicating that calling a raise requires a stronger hand than initiating it. This concept reveals a gap between hands used for raising and those for calling. It suggests that one can go all-in with more hands than they can call an opposing all-in during tournament’s final sessions. However, this strategy has its downside: aggressors always have an advantage.

Gap Hand

Hold’em introduces concept gap hand, which refers to initial hand with non-sequential card values. Sequential cards are known as connectors.

Grind

Grind refers to a scenario where a punter consistently plays for profit, adhering strictly to a set limit, thereby minimizing risk. Such a player, often termed as a grinder or rounder, opts for limits below their capability, ensuring a portion or all of their income is recovered even when capable of taking higher risks. Additionally, grind also describes a situation where a punter works on increasing their bankroll at a lower limit following financial setbacks at a higher one. This is typically referred to as a punter grinding through his limits.

H.O.R.S.E.

H.O.R.S.E. is poker game with sequential variants. Changing from one hand another, it transitions from Hold’em through Omaha Hi/Lo, ending with Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo. Games are played in this order: Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, Razz, Seven Card Stud Eight or better (also known as Seven Card Stud Hi/Lo).

Hand for Hand

Hand for hand refers to a procedure used in Multi-Table Tournaments (MTTs). It begins when only a few players remain before bubble bursts, signifying that tournament payouts are about to begin. When one hand concludes, all tables pause until every other table has also finished their current hands. This process continues until the bubble bursts, at which point the tournament resumes its standard mode.

Heads Up

Poker between two players is known as heads-up. This intense poker variant demands constant action, requiring players to rely on their skills and identify opponent weaknesses. You’ll find heads-up games running 24/7 with table stakes ranging from cents up to $10,000.

One advantage of heads-up tournaments is their lower entry fees compared to multi-table or sit&go tournaments. Fees are typically 5-7.5% your buy-in at most poker rooms, rather than usual 8-10%.

Heads-up play requires quick decision-making, contrasting starkly with slower-paced 6-max or 10-max tables. Both cash game and sit&go heads-up tables exist, with sit&go tables being particularly popular.

These tables offer different speeds: slow, turbo, super turbo. Your starting stack and blind level increase rates vary accordingly. Many players prefer turbo and super turbo for their larger pool of less skilled players. Blind levels increase every 5 minutes at normal tables, every 3 minutes at turbo tables, and every minute at super turbos.

Playing multiple tables simultaneously can boost winnings. Skilled grinders can handle 4-6 super turbo heads-up tables at once, though it’s a challenging feat. This strategy is best left to experienced players.

Beginners should start with 1-2 tables, preferably turbo tables, before attempting super turbos. Gaining confidence in your own game is crucial before diving into high-stakes heads-up action.

Hi Lo

Poker variants such as Seven card Stud and Omaha come in two forms. One is a traditional variant where player with highest hand takes entire pot. Another is hi/lo variant where pot is split between player with best hand and one with worst hand.

Hi-Hand

Playing Hi/Lo poker variants involves splitting pot between hi-hand and lo-hand. Hi-hand is punter’s hand competing for hi share of pot. Even without hope of winning, player always has hi-hand. There’s possibility that hi-hand can also be lo-hand, meaning it competes for lo share of pot.

High Card

In poker, High Card signifies either highest card within a hand or highest kicker when no pairs or better exist. It can only triumph over other high card hands possessing a superior high card.

High Limit

High Limit refers to games with substantial wagers, typically exceeding $100/$200. It’s not confined by a precise limit but is generally associated with high roller players engaging in high limit poker variations.

High Roller

A high roller refers to players engaging in high limit games. This term isn’t tied to a specific limit, instead it’s based on individuals’ perceptions of what constitutes a high limit.

Hit and Run

Hit and Run is a game strategy that demands patience for the big payoff. Players are expected to leave the table immediately after the pot has a winner, denying opponents the opportunity to profit short-term. While some critics view this as poor gaming etiquette or a reluctance to embrace risk, others see it as a profitable tactic. It’s all about securing quick victories and reclaiming wins from your rivals.

Hole Cards

Hole cards are player’s facedown cards unseen by other players.

Hourly Winrate

Profit per hour, or hourly winrate, for a player is influenced by various factors such as limit, player’s skill, game type, table count, hands played per hour, opponents. Depending on this rate, players can discern their limits number tables they’ll play.

Idiot End

Idiot End refers to a low straight in games with shared cards. It’s considered foolish due to its vulnerability to higher straights. This situation arises when four straight cards are on the board, while player holds the lowest card, completing the straight. Only those lacking judgement would trust such a hand.

Implied Odds

Implied odds are modified pot odds used when playing a draw, accounting for potential additional money extracted from opposition upon hitting draw. They encompass not just what’s in pot but also opponent’s expected wagers. Simply put, implied odds equal expected possible winnings divided by bets paid.

In the Money

When punter is guaranteed prize-winning placement due to sufficient players being ejected from tournament, it’s said they are in the money.

Independent Chip Model (ICM)

ICM is a mathematical model used during late stages of tournaments when stacks are relatively small. It operates on the concept that each chip signifies an opportunity to finish in the money, thus earning profit. Gaining an extra chip enhances a player’s position in the tournament, boosting their chances of making profits. Notably, chips within a 10,000 stack hold greater value than those in a 100 stack.

Initiative

Initiative refers to being an aggressor or pace setter during a round. It’s typically attributed to one who takes lead or sets momentum.

Inside Straight Draw

Also known as belly buster or gutshot, an inside straight draw is when a straight lacks an inner card. For instance, if a punter has 5,7,8,9, they’re considered in an inside straight draw, as any six completes it.

Iron Cross

Often called Church or Criss Cross, Iron Cross is a community card poker game with cards dealt both face down and face up. Its structure borrows elements from Seven Card Stud or Hold’em, yet varies based on your position. It’s optimal when played with a pot limit betting structure, as opposed to No Limit or Fixed Limit Structure. An interesting aspect of Iron Cross is its five community cards arranged in a cross shape. Players use either the horizontal or vertical axis of this cross.

Isolate

Isolation involves singling out one player for a heads-up game by using aggressive actions that push opponents out. This strategy can help you engage a weaker player early on, or gain an advantageous position by forcing out players who could challenge your benefit. It’s a technique that requires skillful execution, but when done correctly, it can significantly improve your chances of winning.

Jackpot

Jackpot refers to a prize pool that expands over time, available for winning by players who meet specific conditions.

Kicker

Kickers are cards from five-card hand that don’t belong to any combination, yet they determine rank for hands with equal combinations. Kickers only exist hands with combinations less than five cards.

Knockout Bounty Tournaments

These tournaments resemble standard ones, with a twist: buy-in amount is divided into a contribution for general prize bounty for each player. Eliminate another player from tournament, you instantly receive their bounty.

Ladies

Referring to a pair of queens in Texas Hold’em starting hand, this term has various other names such as Siegfried and Roy, Queens, Pussys, Whores or Canadian Aces. QQ is third best starting hand a player can get in Texas Holdem.

LAG

LAG stands for Loose-aggressive, describing a play style where majority hands are played loosely, while select ones are approached aggressively. This strategy can yield profits particularly in high limit games or those with fewer players.

Leak

A leak refers weakness within player’s strategy or style that could lead them lose money. Each player aims identify these leaks among their opponents while also striving eliminate their own. However, recognizing one’s own leaks can often prove challenging.

To discover these flaws your gameplay, you might need hire coach or utilize software such as Holdem Manager or Poker Tracker 4.

Levelling

Expressed from level thinking concept, levelling refers to a strategy in poker where you anticipate your opponent’s thoughts before making a move. It involves considering what your opponent might be contemplating.

Line

Typically, line refers to betting strategy or sequence comprising multiple actions executed across various betting rounds.

Live Blind

Live Blind refers to a mandatory bet paid by one or more players before cards are dealt. It’s considered ‘live’ as the player who makes it can raise when opportunity arises.

Live Card

A card deemed ‘live’ suggests player’s potential victory upon its arrival. Existence of such cards keeps winning chances alive. It’s important to note that ‘live’ here refers to possibility of winning, not card’s physical state.

Live Straddle

In games with blinds, straddle refers to an optional extra blind paid by the player immediately left of the blind. It must be at least twice the size of big blinds.

Lo Hand

While engaging with Hi/Lo variants, pot splits between superior worst hands. Lo hand competes for Lo portion pot.

Longball

Longball typically describes playing large pots with few strong hands, as opposed to pursuing multiple smaller pots with marginal hands—a strategy known as smallball. This approach is often chosen when there’s no desire for smaller, more frequent gains.

Loose

Loose refers to a player playing multiple hands, contrasting with a tight player who plays fewer.

Low Limit

Typically, low limit games are above micro limits with bet sizes amounting tens dollars while pots increase by few dollars.

Lowball

Lowball refers to any poker variant where lowest hand wins.

Lucky River

Omaha or Texas Hold’em players refer river as lucky if it reveals card that allows player, who was initially behind with drawing hand, win game. It’s common for everyone feel frustrated when opponent hits their lucky river, yet we rejoice when we ourselves get lucky.

Made Hand

Made hands, like pair or three kind, could already win at showdown. They don’t always need improvement; sometimes, they offer limited or no possibilities for enhancement. This implies that made hands can be powerful in their initial form without needing additional cards to strengthen them.

Main Pot

Main pot refers central pot which all active players can win. When player goes all-in, if two or more opponents continue playing, all future bets made by these players after going all-in are paid into new pot, known as side pot, which only they have chance to win.

Makeup

Sum provided by staker for staking deal is termed as makeup.

Maniac

Maniac refers to an exceptionally aggressive player, playing numerous cards or hands, frequently striving for victory through sheer aggression. Such a player raises, bets, bluffs regularly, embodying extreme Loose Aggressive style.

Micro Limit

Micro limits, often played for mere cents, represent smallest money-playable limits.

Middle Pair

Poker games with community cards often feature middle pair. This term refers to pairing one player’s card with second highest or medium-sized community card.

Minraise

A minraise refers to a slight increase, typically around minimum bet. Imagine blinds at 1/2$. If player positioned first raises it to 4$ before flop, considering minimum raise being 2$, he has effectively executed minraise.

Monster

Monster refers to an exceptionally strong hand in poker, typically a full house or better. Similarly, powerful starting hands like QQ+ are also termed as monster.

Muck

Muck refers to a designated area on poker table where all discarded cards, including Burncards and cards folded by players surrendering their hands, are placed. Mucking signifies laying down one’s hand without revealing it.

Multiway Pot

A multiway pot refers to a poker hand scenario where more than three players participate.

Nit

A nit refers to a player who is tight-passive, often known as rock or weak-tight. This player type avoids engaging in large pots, frequently assumes worst-case scenarios when deciding on their play strategy. Their cautious approach can make them predictable, but also difficult to bluff against.

Nuts

Nuts or Locks signify best possible hands given game situation. Player holds nuts with best hand, considering all shared, known cards. Term also applies specific hand categories like nut-flush or nut-straight for top flush or straight respective game situation, card constellation.

Odds

For any given number of outs, or beneficial cards that complete a drawing hand, there’s always a distinct probability that one out will be dealt next. This likelihood is typically expressed as odds, indicating the chance that the draw won’t occur.

OESD

Shortcut for Open Ended Straight Draw.

Open Raise

When a hand starts with a raise during initial betting round, it’s termed as open raise. Consider a scenario in Texas Hold’em where all opponents fold up to player at cutoff position. If this player raises instead of just matching big blind amount, we term it as an open raise. This is because no prior player has taken any action.

Out of Line

A player being out of line signifies deviation from their usual play style. This could mean they’re on tilt, or their hand’s style doesn’t align with what they’re attempting to represent. It’s an indication when a player behaves differently, whether it’s in one hand or across several. However, what this indicates always hinges on context and opponent.

Outs

Draws are incomplete hands that can’t win on their own, but with progression in game and dealing good cards, they can transform into a made hand, which enables them to secure victory. Helpful cards that change a draw into a made hand are known as outs. In simple terms, these are cards still available within deck.

Overbet

When a player bets more than what’s currently in the pot, it’s known as an overbet.

Overcall

An overcall happens when a player responds to an opponent’s call made earlier. This player, termed as overcaller, not only has to beat the initial bettor but also the one who first called. Hence, making an overcall requires either superior pot odds or a stronger hand.

Overpair

An overpair refers to pair of player’s cards that surpasses any potential pair from community cards.

Overplay

Overplaying a hand implies investing excessive money, pushing beyond its actual worth. This scenario often unfolds when a player, starting with a strong hand, takes initiative but fails to identify the moment their hand loses strength—possibly already being defeated.

Overrolled

When a player continues to play at the same limit for a prolonged duration, despite having sufficient funds to advance to a higher limit, it’s referred to as overrolling. This term originates from ‘bankroll’. Players often overroll due to fear of losing money after moving up or because they don’t feel competent enough yet, choosing instead to gain more experience at their current limit. One benefit is that it allows for a more relaxed approach towards increasing limits, as a minor downswing won’t necessarily result in moving back down.

Raise

Raise is an action a player can take when faced with an opponent’s bet. It involves not only matching the opponent’s bet but also increasing it by a certain amount. House rules often limit possible raises per betting round, typically three or four, occasionally five. A raise following an opponent’s raise is known as reraise.

Rake

Every player engaging at cash game tables must pay some rake, which is a commission for using poker room services. Rake gets deducted if you’re part of a hand and win the pot, ensuring that house always receives a small percentage from every winning pot. If you lose, no rake is paid. For instance, if pot is $3, winning player might only receive €2.80. Each poker room or network has different rake calculation methods.

Dealt rake: Rake collected at hand’s end is equally taken from all players dealt into hand. Simple contributed: Rake collected at hand’s end is equally taken from all players who’ve invested money in pot. Weighted contributed: Rake collected at hand’s end is taken from all players who’ve invested money in pot, but calculated proportionately by amount of money invested. Actual rake: Hand’s rake is fully (100%) assigned to winner.

Range

Player’s range signifies all possible cards that player would act upon given a situation. Consider a Texas Hold’em player who raises only AA, KK, QQ, AK. Here, player’s range is (AA, KK, QQ, AK) or alternatively (QQ+, AK). This concept helps understand player’s strategy without knowing exact cards.

Read

Read refers to a playable conclusion derived from available information about a specific player. Reads can be acquired from tells, betting patterns, previous hands, general play, along with all other accessible sources of information. These insights allow tailoring an action specifically for an opponent’s playing style or making statements about an opponent’s hand with increased reliability.

Rebuy

Unlike a freezeout tournament where players are permanently out once their chips are depleted, rebuy tournaments permit players with low or no chips to buy more. Typically, a player can rebuy—paying the initial buy-in to receive the starting chip count again—when their stack drops below the tournament’s starting amount. This option is available only at the tournament’s onset, usually for around 60-90 minutes, varying by tournament. After this rebuy phase, gameplay resumes as a standard freezeout.

For instance, in a $20 rebuy tournament where each player starts with 2000 chips, a player can purchase an additional 2000 chips for $20 when they have less than 2000 chips. Instead of exiting the tournament after losing all their chips, they can buy in multiple times and start anew. Each rebuy increases the tournament’s prize pool. If a $20 tournament has 400 participants, the prize pool is $8,000. If players make 200 rebuys at $20 each, the prize pool automatically grows to $12,000, altering the payout structure.

Rebuy tournaments tend to be more aggressive than normal freezeouts, as players are less fearful of risking all their chips. A single click can get them back into the game after an unfortunate event. As with other tournaments, there are different speed variants in rebuy tournaments, including turbo and superturbo, where blind levels increase every 5 or 2 minutes respectively.

Bankroll management is crucial. Playing rebuy tournaments requires a larger bankroll compared to regular freezeouts due to the higher variance caused by the action. If your bankroll isn’t stable, it’s advisable to avoid playing rebuys.

Rigged

Rigged is an adjective used when events that are mathematically improbable consistently occur favoring a particular player. This can include scenarios where a player repeatedly gets strong hands but always falls short against stronger ones, or experiences an unusual number of suckouts – losing a hand after confidently placing chips in the middle, only to be beaten by opponents’ few outs. It’s common for players to label online poker rooms as rigged if they sustain losses over an extended period, despite playing mathematically correct. This perception often arises from feeling more frequently outplayed compared to others, leading them to accuse the poker room. However, claims that poker rooms are rigged, meaning they manipulate hand histories to disadvantage certain players, lack empirical evidence.

River

Last shared community card is called River, also known as 5th Street.

River Rat

River Rat, often used as either a nickname or derogatory term, refers to a poker player who fortuitously acquires a winning card Texas Hold’em or Omaha, thereby overcoming an initially superior hand. This term is typically associated with luck rather than skill.

Rock

A rock is a low-key poker player, playing few but strong cards, thus not attracting much attention at the table. This strategy involves playing only absolute top hands aggressively.

Run

A run refers sequence of hands won by single player. It’s often said that player is having good run when they win multiple hands consecutively. Conversely, series of lost hands is termed as Bad Run.

Runner Up

Runner-up refers to the player who secures second place in a tournament.

Samplesize

Samplesize refers to number of hands player has played within specific time period. This term is frequently utilized for statistics. For instance, values from poker databases gain significance after multitude of hands are played, regardless how large samplesize is.

Sandwich

A player finds himself sandwiched when positioned between two opponents. This scenario forces him act after first opponent but before second, often leading unpleasant situations, particularly when both opponents aggressively contend for pot.

Satellite

A satellite is a pre-tournament where participating players have opportunity to win entry or buy-in for bigger tournament. If player doesn’t wish to pay high buy-in for specific tournament, they can opt for cheaper satellite for that tournament, aiming to win buy-in there.

Save Bets

Save bets are wagers you can’t lose as your opponent agrees pay them back if they win.

Scare Card

A Scare Card is deemed potentially dangerous for a player, given high likelihood it may benefit an opponent. Examples include high cards or those completing possible draws. Contrasting this is Blank, generally harmless card unlikely to assist anyone.

Shark

A shark is an assertive, dominant participant at table games. This player targets less skilled players, often referred to as fish, with intent seize their money whenever feasible.

Shove

Player performs shove by going all-in with all their chips.

Showdown

Showdown is the concluding betting round where players still in the game reveal their cards, comparing them to decide who has the best hand and therefore wins. It typically occurs after the final betting round or when one or more players have gone all-in during a round. This means they’ve staked all their money or chips, making further betting impossible due to either going all-in themselves or because all opponents are all-in. In such instances, players’ cards are unveiled, the round continues until its conclusion, but without any additional betting. For instance, in Texas Hold’em, remaining community cards are distributed before determining the winner. Whether cards are revealed in these situations depends on the game’s form and house rules. Be aware that different manipulations can occur.

Side Bet

A side bet involves wagering on two or more players. You might bet that next card will be an eight, or that flop turns into spades or clubs in a three-card Omaha hand. Even predicting weather like rain for next day can be part of it. Imagination sets no boundaries here. It’s worth noting that this bet need not be related to actual game.

Skill

Your abilities, or skills, stand contrasted with luck when it comes to poker. Greater skill reduces dependency on luck. A player lacking skill might enjoy short-term success, but that’s likely due more to fortunate coincidence than strategic play. Essentially, a poker player’s skill encompasses various crucial elements needed for long-term victory. These entail correct selection of starting hands, wise table choice, appropriate bankroll management, along with mindset and resistance to tilt.

Skin

Poker sites often collaborate, forming networks. For instance, our partner, William Hill Poker, belongs to iPoker network. It’s essentially a ‘skin’ of this network, meaning all players across different skins can play together at identical tables, regardless of their specific skin. These individual pages contribute to one shared player pool. Bet365 and Netbet are also members of iPoker network, so you can compete against players registered with these sites at William Hill Poker tables.

Slowplay

Slowplay refers playing a strong hand less aggressively, enabling opponents to stay game. This strategy can fool them into believing they hold a weaker hand or allow them opportunity for obtaining good cards they mistakenly think could secure their win, which isn’t true.

Small Blind

Small blind refers smaller two compulsory bets poker game with blinds.

SNG

Sit and Go (Sng) is a poker tournament type that begins once a certain number of players have registered. Unlike other tournaments which kick off at a preset date or time, Sngs start only when the required participant count is met. These tournaments can be single table or multi-table events, accommodating 2, 6, 10, 20, 50, or even more players across various poker variants. The unique feature of all Sngs is their start condition, reliant on meeting the necessary player quota.

Split Pot

Split pot refers to pot division among multiple players due to their identical hands.

Squezze

Squeeze, or squeeze play, refers pressure applied on someone to perform a specific action. In context, it’s a significant reraise during the initial betting round following a player’s raise that at least one other player has called. Ideally, the first player forfeits his hand, trapped between two or more opponents unsure of their subsequent actions. Meanwhile, the second player along with those following, often lack such a strong hand to raise then call a reraise. If the reraise gets called, there’s still an opportunity to win the pot in the next betting round with a continuation bet.

Stack

Stack refers to total money or chips a player possesses at table for play. Bets can only be placed up to this maximum amount, highlighting importance stack management in gameplay.

Stakeback

In stakeback, when a player wins, the stakee first reimburses buy-ins or makeup before splitting profits. This means the stakee doesn’t see any profit until they’ve recouped the makeup. Consider this: Player A proposes a $1000 pack to stakers, seeking full staking. They agree on a 40/60 split. If Player A subsequently wins $2000, the first $1000 is returned to the staker. The remaining $1000 is then divided according to the agreed split, yielding $400 for Player A and $600 for the stakers. Each staker gets their percentage from the $600 distributed to the stakes. Alternatively, if Player A only wins $400 after proposing a $1000 pack with a 40/60 cut, the entire amount is proportionally distributed among the stakers.

Steal

If no one has played their hand, you can frequently steal blinds without opposition from a later position by raising.

Stone Cold Nuts

Stone Cold Nuts represents best possible hand, also known as Nuts, that secures entire pot. It’s impossible for another player to have a hand with same rank.

Suckout

Suckout is when made hand loses later due an opponent’s draw. It doesn’t necessarily mean Bad Beat, but simply indicates that player with made hand loses at end.

Suited

Cards are suited if they share same color.

Swing

Swing refers to significant changes in your bankroll or performance during a game. This can be positive, known as Upswing, or negative, referred to as Downswing. Swings aren’t just related to gameplay but are often outcomes of poker’s random elements. Short-term card luck can swing for or against you.

Your opponents’ style and your own can influence the size of these swings. Even with correct play, there may be times when you lose multiple buy-ins consecutively. Conversely, you might have periods where you win excessively due to short-term card luck favoring you.

In the long run, upswings and downswings tend to balance each other out, with remaining losses typically resulting from incorrect play. It’s crucial not to let extended swings in any direction distract you from your strategy or cause you to go on tilt.

Tell

A Tell serves as a revealing hint, enabling an opponent who spots it to infer about a player’s game strategy or current hand. It’s important to understand there are both conscious and unconscious tells—some players knowingly display tells when they think they’re being observed, while others unknowingly exhibit them when they believe they’re unnoticed. For instance, how a player moves chips into the pot during a live game can be a tell.

Weak-Means-Strong-Tell is another common type, particularly among beginners. This occurs when a player tends to underplay a strong hand and overplay a weak one or bluff. Certain habits, like always glancing left during an all-in bluff, can also serve as tells.

Another category worth noting is timing tells, which involve a player revealing information about their hand by taking a specific amount of time to perform an action. The range of possible tells is vast, making this aspect of gameplay incredibly nuanced.

Tight

Tight refers to a playing style where only select few hands are played. It’s contrasted with loose, where more hands are typically engaged.

Time Out

Online players time out if they don’t act within their action’s time limit. Consequences vary with provider. If there was an opponent’s bet or raise, player’s cards not traded on time are discarded. If no bet was present and player could have checked, then some platforms treat it as if he had checked, while others discard his cards.

Top Pair

Poker games with community cards often feature a pair made up from one player’s card along with highest community card. This is referred to as top pair.

Tournament

Poker tournaments involve participants contributing a certain buy-in amount into a prize pool, which they then compete for. Each player starts with an equal number chips, with elimination occurring once a player loses all their chips. However, there’s a unique form known as rebuy tournament, where players can purchase new chips during the initial phase, also referred to as rebuy phase. Prize distribution is either proportional or staggered based on placement or time of exit. This is guided by payout structure, determining from what position profits are made and how funds are distributed among various placements. Prizes could also be non-monetary, such as places in other tournaments.

Two Pair

Two pair refers to poker hand encompassing two distinct pairs.

Under the Gun

Under the Gun (UTG) signifies player positions directly left blinds games with blinds as compulsory bets. These players must act early all betting rounds, posing an immense position disadvantage compared to other players.

Underdog

In poker, an underdog refers to a player holding inferior cards. Based on profit probabilities for a particular situation, this player is considered an underdog. The term signifies their disadvantageous position and lower odds of winning.

Unknown

An ‘unknown’ refers to an opponent whom one hasn’t played many hands with yet. It’s a term used when expressing unfamiliarity with a specific player’s game style. This scenario renders the player as unknown.

Upswing

Upswing refers to phase or period when player experiences significant luck. Often hitting good cards game situations, they can accumulate above-average profits during this time, essentially experiencing lucky streak. Contrastingly, downswing represents phase of bad luck.

Value

Value signifies expected profit from a poker hand or action. Though often used broadly, it can refer to equity or pure winnings, implying there’s value within certain hands or situations.

Walk

A walk occurs when all opponents fold, ending the hand without further resistance. This term is often used in games with blinds as forced bets. Specifically, player who has paid big blind receives a walk when every other player folds their cards during first betting round. Essentially, a walk signifies winning without any challenge.

Weak

Weak, in poker jargon, signifies something lacking strength. It can refer to a draw, a hand, a player, or even a turn. For instance, a player is deemed weak if their gameplay is generally poor or simply not up to par.

WSOP

WSOP, short for World Series of Poker, is the most significant event worldwide, held in Las Vegas. Winning a bracelet is a coveted achievement, with everyone aspiring to add their name to the WSOP Winner list.